From Equations to Civilization: Prof. Sum’ainna’s Inaugural Lecture Explores Fluid Dynamics

Auditorium Harun Nasution, UIN Online News — In her inaugural lecture as a newly appointed Professor at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Prof. Dr. Sum’ainna, M.Si., shared an inspiring scientific oration titled “Navier-Stokes Equations and Fluid Dynamics: Exploring Mathematical Complexity for Technological Advancement.”

A professor of Applied Mathematics, Prof. Sum’ainna described fluids—ranging from the air we breathe and the wind that blows to the blood pumped by the heart—as essential elements governed by fluid dynamics, a complex yet vital branch of science with applications that permeate daily life.

“Fluid behavior is closely linked to various aspects of life, even within the human body,” she remarked. Drawing inspiration from the Qur’an, she referenced Surah Al-A’raf (7:57), which subtly reflects the principles of fluid movement through the imagery of wind and rain as manifestations of divine balance.

Prof. Sum’ainna candidly shared the challenges she has faced during her research journey. Yet, she emphasized that history proves how once-abstract mathematical research can lead to major technological breakthroughs. For instance, the Fourier Transform, introduced by 18th-century mathematician Joseph Fourier, was initially deemed impractical. Today, it forms the foundation of technologies like image and sound compression, as well as medical imaging (MRI and CT scans).

Similarly, the Navier-Stokes Equations, introduced by Claude-Louis Navier in 1822 and refined by George Gabriel Stokes in 1845, were once viewed as overly complex mathematical formulations. Now, they underpin modern innovations in weather forecasting, disaster mitigation, vehicle aerodynamics, and blood flow simulations in medicine.

She noted that fluid dynamics directly connects with advances in science, technology, and policy-making. However, significant challenges remain, including theoretical complexities, computational limitations, and weak collaboration cultures. She urged academics to develop new methods, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and build industry partnerships to ensure meaningful and scalable research outcomes.

Prof. Sum’ainna also reminded the audience of the deeper responsibility borne by professors—not only to advance scientific knowledge but to mentor future generations with integrity, work ethic, and a spirit of collaboration. “Becoming a professor is not the end goal,” she asserted, “but the beginning of a broader intellectual responsibility to benefit society and the nation.”

She closed her oration by quoting Isaac Newton:
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

“The knowledge we have today is the result of past generations’ struggles. Our duty is to continue that struggle for those who will come after us,” she concluded.

Prof. Dr. Sum’ainna, M.Si., a lecturer in the Mathematics program of the Faculty of Science and Technology, earned her doctorate from Waseda University, Tokyo. Her scholarly work largely focuses on pure mathematics, including research such as “Half-space model problem for a compressible fluid model of Korteweg type with slip boundary condition.”

🎥 Watch the full inauguration of UIN Jakarta’s six new professors (May 7, 2025):
https://www.youtube.com/live/yJ8v6TVbN6U?si=QBmXVPzL81zayswN

(Written by Aida Adha S., Fauziah M., Noen Indah S. / Photos: M. Yahya)